On a visit to Gujarat, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to India, Wei Wei, met chief minister Anandiben Patel at Gandhinagar on Thursday and conveyed the interest of Chinese firms in making fresh investments in the state.

Wei also invited Patel to visit China in the near future, stated an official release here.

The Chinese Ambassador was keen to know about the progress Gujarat has made in the power sector. He also conveyed to the chief minister that Chinese companies were keen to invest in Green Energy Park in Gujarat.

During the meeting, chief minister also discussed various projects in the state including the Sardar Sarovar project, Statue of Unity and Dahej-Ghogha Ferry service.

The Chinese Ambassador’s visit to Gujarat coincides with Wednesday’s “in-principle approval” of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and China for setting up industrial parks in the country. Both sides had identified five states — Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka — where the parks would be set up

“This was a long pending demand to strengthen India China trade and investment ties which has now been fulfilled by the new government. In return the Chinese Government may agree to allow India to set up industrial parks there in China” Jagat Shah, interim Secretary General of CITIC (China-India Trade and Investment Centre).

Chinese companies like TBEA Energy (India) Pvt Ltd and Hongkong-based CLP Group is already present in Gujarat. “There are currently about 20 Chinese companies in Gujarat. Most of these companies are into transformers, electronics, cotton & yarn sectors. According to Indo-China Chamber of Commerce an estimated 100 more Chinese firms are waiting to invest in the state. Sanand, near Ahmedabad is a major attraction for the Chinese firms,” said Bhagyesh Soneji, chairperson of ASSOCHAM.

Last month an investor delegation of 20 members from Zhejiang had visited Gujarat and short-listed three locations for setting up the China township & industrial park at Sachana, Dalsana & Jakhwada